Tactics of Resistance: Palestinian Women and the Reclamation of Space in the Old City of Hebron, Palestine

The old city of Hebron is an urban space shaped by extreme spatial violence caused by the Israeli occupation. The city is home to a diverse architectural legacy, and holds significant religious importance. However, the Israeli occupation and settlement expansion have fragmented the city’s urban fabric through checkpoints, watchtowers, and restricted zones. These measures have disrupted social and economic life, destroying the sense of urbanity within the city. Despite these oppressive socio-spatial conditions, the old city of Hebron remains a cornerstone of cultural, historical, and symbolic value for Palestinian residents. Palestinian women’s everyday resistance and resilience tactics emerge as a crucial force in reclaiming public space and revitalizing the city. This article examines the role of Palestinian women in resisting Israeli spatial limitations and urbicide through their reclamation of urban space and their assertion of their right to the city through professional initiatives and everyday tactics. Methodologically, we are informed by our own situated knowledge in Hebron, supplemented by archival research, site observations, social media analysis, and reports from organizations such as the Hebron Rehabilitation Committee, B’Tselem, and UN-OCHA.